Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Perception...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Why would someone spend $500 - $1,000 on a "real" camera that they would have to carry with them 24/7? If he has a cell phone, he has all he needs. I'm not talking about wedding photographers or those who shoot for National Geographic. I mean ordinary people who take the occasional snapshot of something that catches their attention - like a colorful lunch they were just served. I've seen people post beautiful pictures that were taken with cell phones.

I like technology and gear. That's why I have several cameras. If all I wanted was to take the occasional snapshot, I would still be using my little Canon SD800.

Red6

Yes, I understand what you are saying. I still have my "real" camera and heavy bag-o-lenses. But I tell you it is certainly nice when I am traveling that I can just pull my iPhone 13 pro max out of my pocket and take a photo without carrying 15-20 lbs of "stuff". The iPhone 13 pro max photos are stunning!

My wife and I go on a lot of cruises and I see the guys and gals carrying big kits and struggling to get on and off the tour bus and huffing and puffing while getting around. I did it a couple of times and starting looking for alternatives. First a travel camera, then the iPhone. I still have the big kit, but it stays home a lot more now.

I did add a GoPro Hero 10. Wow!!

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I view the smartphones simply as a P&S camera that happens to include a phone. They're great for taking snapshots of everything from your dinner at a good restaurant or your dog or an unplanned opportunity to take a fantastic sunset photo at the Grand Canyon.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Handy little buggers aren't they!

Bill_de Loc: US

Why are you concerned with what others do? Why not concentrate on your photography? You say you are an advanced photographer. How about posting some of your pictures here on UHH?

I don't carry a cell phone. I wouldn't mind a quality cell phone camera ... without the phone.

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm sorry to say that I'm not a good phone photographer. I get my fingers in front of the lens, or I don't hold the "camera" steady.

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Sorry, but I differ. The smart phone has not devastated the beginners market. The cell phone has created a completely new market, and it excels. I agree with the Real Camera and use such, but my wife, kids and grandchildren, most of who have cameras are 99% Cell Phone users. They are taking many better photographs than I took at their respective age, and enjoying the thrill of photography more.

Embrace market change and learn, from the shift of times. In 1908 my Grandfather purchased a Livery Stable over a fangled Ford Distributership.

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

I still prefer my “real camera”, but can understand the use by some of a smartphone camera. About a year ago, a friend of mine hiked the Continental Divide Trail. Took his smartphone to use as a camera due to weight & carrying capacity. Had a number of the photos printed in sizes up to 2’ x 3’. Asked me to to look at them for display purposes. I was amazed at the photos; great color & clarity. As good as any camera photos I have seen.

stanikon Loc: Deep in the Heart of Texas

Another useless, pointless unwinnable argument. People will buy and use whatever they want to buy and use.

Personally I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with cell phones. The contempt for them that is expressed by some folks is just a self-satisfying way to feel superior even if their photography sucks. Or maybe especially if their photography sucks.

I really like and do enjoy my D500 but out of curiosity as much as anything else I took the cell phone course by Emil Pakarklis. At a severe discount, BTW. It was a real eye-opener. Newer cell phone cameras can do many of the same things as an expensive DSLR or mirrorless. There are many things they can't do, of course, and probably never will. But for the newbie, the casual and the opportunist they are a godsend. I still use my D500 for any kind of "serious" photography but my cell phone is always with me and is capable of taking great photos. So why not use it? Why not use both?

To those of you who turn up your noses and sniff in mock superiority at cell phone cameras, I say you are missing a great opportunity just so you can say you are a "real" photographer when, in fact, you are only one kind of a photographer.

MrMophoto Loc: Rhode Island "The biggest little"

People who view smartphone cameras as not "real" cameras should look up the term "Luddite". It is true that smartphone cameras can't rival a present day DSLR or mirrorless camera, at least not yet, but as a technology smartphone photography is still in it's infancy. Maybe digital cameras aren't "real" cameras since they don't use film. There are those that will say that film images have a quality that can't be reproduced in a digital format, similar to those that believe analog music (vinyl) has a quality that is lost in a digital format. Believe what you want, but if you want to see some of the best smartphone photography in the world, look up the IPPAwards. It's an international smartphone photography contest that only accepts smartphone photography, any photo that has been manipulated or adjusted on a desktop, laptop, etc. type computer is immediately disqualified. I've been told that just to get a photo accepted into the show is a major accomplishment. winners in each category get a gold brick (not bad for a first prize)

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

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I too prefer the heavier DSLR cameras but I started out in photography when I was 14, back near the end of 1963. I actually find it easier to keep the heavier cameras steady when using slower speeds. I did get a chance to try out a Z6 and a Z7 right after they came out. I liked them but I doubt I would do away with my DSLRs to switch.

Don's Leica Loc: Asheville, NC

I too have become lazy, using my iPhone instead of carrying my Leica equipment.

delder Loc: Maryland

Agree so much!
As previously posted on UHH,
The best camera is the one you have with you!
My DSLR is an older D3100 with a 2 lens kit and legacy kit from my F4004. Cellphone is a S21-5G with 45MP Telephoto.

Cellphone Is ALWAYS with me 24/7, camera kit only when I intend to take pictures.
Cellphone therefore wins MANY impromptu shots unavailable to my Kit.

dustie Loc: Nose to the grindstone

You don't really have to suffer the onerous indignity of carrying a cell phone, though.
You can buy a quality camera that has a phone feature, but do not buy and activate the required service plan to make the phone feature activated and operational. No ongoing, recurring phone fees. You'll just carry a pocket-sized quality camera that has an unused phone feature without the added stigma of being a cell phone user.

😊 . 😁